From the Research
The blood supply to the T1 and T2 vertebral bodies primarily comes from the supreme intercostal artery, along with contributions from the posterior intercostal arteries. The supreme intercostal artery is a branch of the costocervical trunk, which originates from the subclavian artery [ 1 ]. This artery supplies the first and second intercostal spaces and sends branches to the corresponding vertebral bodies. Additionally, the posterior intercostal arteries, which arise from the thoracic aorta for lower levels, also contribute to the blood supply of these vertebral bodies through their dorsal branches. Each vertebral body typically receives blood from multiple sources, creating a rich vascular network. This redundant blood supply is important for maintaining adequate perfusion to these vertebral structures, which support the upper thoracic spine and protect the spinal cord at this level. Understanding this vascular anatomy is crucial when considering surgical approaches to this region or when evaluating pathologies affecting the upper thoracic spine.
Some key points to consider:
- The supreme intercostal artery plays a significant role in supplying blood to the T1 and T2 vertebral bodies [ 1 ].
- The posterior intercostal arteries also contribute to the blood supply of these vertebral bodies [ 2 ].
- The vascular anatomy of the spine is complex and involves multiple arteries, including the intercostal and lumbar arteries [ 2, 1 ].
- Preserving blood flow from the lumbar arteries may be important in certain surgical procedures, such as thoracoabdominal aortic repair [ 2 ].
- The use of embolization techniques, such as coil embolization, may be effective in managing bleeding from intercostal arteries [ 3, 4 ].